At long last, she decided to open her own brokerage firm in 2019. As Aslan Home Lending Corp.’s president and CEO, she oversees a staff of 57. Last year, the company posted some $500 million across around 1,000 units, she said. Ever productive, Gusmus does a bit of originating still even while supervising others – posting some $48 million in volume across 100 units.

Her company is experiencing growth too, even as others resort to layoffs now that the refinancing boom has leveled off. The company originally had nine people when it launched and has added 10 originators to its staff – including those in processing and administration, she said.

Largely by virtue of her experience, the company hasn’t had to pivot to other areas to stay afloat. “Our focus has always been to try and maintain a high level of purchase percentage as well as focus on what I call necessary refinancing. People are going to refinance because of construction, divorce, cash-outs for education, and things like that, regardless of what the rate is,” she said.

She noted the Association of Independent Mortgage Experts (AIME) also has loomed large throughout her career. “We love AIME, part of it just for the camaraderie and collaboration,” she said. Even on a casual Facebook platform, she noted “You can ask questions, and people jump to answer and befriend you. When you need help, someone with experience is going to help.”

To be sure, it’s been a long and winding road for Gusmus. But as her success demonstrates, the journey has been well worth it.